Hypergraph Analysis of Functional Brain Connectivity During Figurative Attention

Hypergraph analysis extends traditional graph theory by enabling the study of complex, many-to-many relationships in networks, offering powerful tools for understanding brain connectivity. This case study introduces a novel methodology for constructing both graphs and hypergraphs of functional brain connectivity during figurative attention tasks, where subjects interpret the ambiguous Necker cube illusion. Using a frequency-tagging approach, we simultaneously modulated two cube faces at distinct frequencies while recording electroencephalography (EEG) responses. Brain connectivity networks were constructed using multiple measures—coherence, cross-correlation, and mutual information—providing complementary insights into functional relationships between regions. Our hypergraph analysis revealed distinct connectivity patterns associated with attending to different cube orientations, including previously unobserved higher-order relationships between brain regions. The results demonstrate bilateral cortico–cortical interactions and suggest integrated processing hubs that may coordinate visual attention networks. This methodological framework not only advances our understanding of the neural basis of visual attention but also offers potential applications in attention monitoring and clinical assessment of attention disorders. While based on a single subject, this proof-of-concept study establishes a foundation for larger-scale investigations of brain network dynamics during ambiguous visual processing.